Customer Reviews

Living With Less So Your Family Has More (Family Health)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mark and Jill have hit the nail on the head with this timely book! The first half focuses on the heart issues of living with less, things like contentment that really require a counter-cultural mentality. Then they get into the practical things-you-can-do to make the most of your money. Both parts are necessary if you desire to make positive changes in your financial and family life. It gave me practical takeaways that have changed my thinking in several areas.

This is a practical, must read book for any family wanting to put the focus back on relationships and not things. I would highly recommend it.

I'm on the same page with Jill and Mark regarding radically responsible finances, but I still learned a thing or two about simpler living through their book. This is more than a "cheap living" book because it first gets at the heart of living on less, and that's desiring less and being content with less. They've taken to everyday life the principles of "simplicity" writers like Richard Foster, and given us the tools to have happy but fiscally responsible families. I appreciated some of the fun ideas along the way, like suggesting kid games like "drop the penny on the quarter at the bottom of the bucket of water." The 10 Thrifty Thoughts defined in Chapter 7 were especially good. Some of the ideas may seem obvious to those of us who've lived frugally for decades, but there's a new generation out there that's racked up debt and never been taught the basic ways of cutting back. So, bravo! Get this book to read with your spouse. Recommend it for your young moms/young dads/young marrieds weekly fellowship. With Mark sharing the byline, it's NOT a "women's book"--it's a family TEAM book.

This book had great tips and advice about cutting back (we've recently been through a job layoff, so cutting back was a necessity, not a choice). But even more helpful and encouraging were the Savages' thoughts on priorities. Especially the idea that adults face peer pressure every bit as much as teens, and it usually shows up in financial ways. I found this book so practical and helpful given our situation, and would recommend it to anyone who truly wants to have more of all the important things in life. The way it was written, using real-life examples and stories, made it a very quick and easy read.

Good Perspective Change & Place to Start

Whether you are purposefully choosing a simpler lifestyle or responding to an economic crunch, this author offers a meaningful perspective on why the unseen is more important than the seen- the value of relationships & family vs. unnecessary, material desires. I was affirmed in the reasons why we make "extreme" financial decisions that are so different than our neighbors or extended family. Readers who are new to the concept of simpler living will find compelling support for valuing peace and security over the stress and complications of financial strain or excess. I learned a few new tips for stretching my time and dollars. But, for someone raised in a thrifty household or well versed in Dave Ramsey, the suggestions may not be earth shattering. Overall, this was an encouraging read and would be helpful to those looking for ways to be more responsible with God's blessings.

Living with Less so Your Family Has More (Guideposts), by Jill Savage and Mark Savage.

I was eager to read Living with Less so Your Family Has More (Guideposts), by Jill Savage and Mark Savage, because I knew I could use some inspiration in an area of simplicity and frugality that God has been nudging me to consider. Jill and her husband, Mark, did not disappoint. And in case you would shy away from this book expecting some sort of brow-beating by them to make you feel guilty in order to make changes, you can be assured that their book is gentle, humorous, realistic, inviting, and very, very practical. It's not only a "let me tell you what God has been doing in our lives," but "here are ideas that you can consider."

Although written primarily for families with at-home children, I believe any of us would benefit from this book. I did. Regardless of whether we want to simplify our attitudes because we have to, or because we want to because it could honor God, Living with Less so Your Family Has More provides the vision, biblical attitudes and practical actions, as you can see from the Table of Contents (below). Just by looking it over, you know that every area of a family and marriage has been included.

Jill and Mark are honest about their shortcomings and vulnerable in sharing their struggles. Their attitudes of humility and honesty make the book even more attractive. It's definitely not a book of "we've conquered this and so should you." And every chapter ends with a "Let's Talk About It" section so that husbands and wives can more easily consider what they've read.

The Savages are the parents of five children so you know they have a lot to share. Jill is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home ([...]), an organization that encourages, educates, and equips mothers. Mark had served as a pastor for more than twenty years and just recently resigned his church position to work full-time for Hearts at Home. Both Jill and Mark speak at conferences throughout the world to bring hope to parents.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you have children still at home.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Vision
Chapter 1 Less Is Really More
Chapter 2 Redefining More
Part 2 Attitudes
Chapter 3 Countercultural Mindset: It's an Out-of-This-World Experience
Chapter 4 Contentment: Living with Less and Liking It
Chapter 5 Sacrifice: Forfeit to Win!
Chapter 6 Simplicity: Sometimes Less Really Is More
Chapter 7 Frugality: Living with More Time and Less Money
Chapter 8 Faith: Ordinary People Trusting in an Extraordinary God
Chapter 9 Community: You Can't Do This Alone
Part 3 Actions
Chapter 10 Finances: Budget Is Not a Bad Word and Cash Really Is in Vogue
Chapter 11 Savings, Investments and Insurance: It's All about the Risk
Chapter 12 Food and Clothing: Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Chapter 13 Housing: There's No Place Like Home
Chapter 14 Transportation: You're driving Me Crazy
Chapter 15 Holidays: Santa's on a Budget and Vacation is a Nonnegotiable
Chapter 16 College: Higher Education at Lower Cost
Chapter 17 Income: Make Money Doing What You Love
Chapter 18 Are You a Less-Is-More Family?

Initially, I thought this book was going to focus on how to make do with less money, which I was anxious to learn about when I read it after it was first published. However, this book teaches you so much more than that. The Savages have also taught how to live against the societal norm, and how to NOT keep up with the Joneses. One of Jill's points, that I just repeated to myself the other day was, "Just because tee-ball (or ballet, or piano lessons) is offered for three year olds doesn't mean you need to sign them up for it." Living with less means living with less stress, fewer outside commitments, and managing your money in a way that honors God. If your family goals involve any of these things, this book is a must read. You can read more of my thoughts on it here: [...]

I cried my way through this book. In a good way, mind you. My husband and I have been married 18 years and like most marriages, ours has had years of plenty, years of want, years of "uh, now what do we do?" Husband and wife team, Jill and Mark Savage, tackle financial issues in their book with honesty and pragmatism. They share personal stories--their own years of plenty and want. They acknowledge that for some of us, choosing to live with less feels so much more admirable than the alternative, but living with less still has redemptive qualities; in fact, God is willing and able to bless us when we have less. Spiritually, emotionally, relationally, etc. In several spots throughout my copy, I underlined, circled, highlighted, I'm a little embarrassed to lend it out to my friends. Not only do I feel encouraged, but I am equipped with specific tips and suggestions. Many thanks to Jill and Mark for this wonderful book!

This book was one of the best titles I have read on the subject of simplifying lifestyle. The authors, Jill and Mark Savage, write from their own personal experience about how they willing have reduced their income, enjoyed a greater quality of life, and have survived! They begin with casting the vision for a simpler lifestyle by redefining what it truly means to get ahead in life. From that vision they move to attitude changes that go against the culture and that promote contentment, sacrifice, simplicity, frugality, spirituality and community. After detailing the attitude changes required, they move to specific actions that bring the new vision and mindset into reality .

The Savages have inspired me with their story. This book is well worth the time and money spent. If you're seeking to simplify your lifestyle and no longer pursue more and more material "stuff," then this title is for you.

The world we live in believes that the more we have, the better off we are. We're striving for bigger paychecks so we can have that fancy bass boat, the big house in the good part of town, designer shoes, and our sixteen year old daughter can dress live a diva. But all that it really does is bring more stress into our already stressed lives.

But--if you have made any of the following comments, you might want to consider reading this book:

. I'm tired of living with constant stress.
. I feel disconnected from my spouse and kids.
. I want to laugh again.
. I'm earning more, but I feel like I'm living less.
. I'm tired of rushing from one activity to another.
. I wish our family could sit around the dinner table talking and laughing.
. There are not enough hours in a day.
. There has to be a simpler way.

In LIVING WITH LESS SO YOUR FAMILY HAS MORE, the Savages help families:

. Identify a long-term vision for your family.
. Show the attitudes you need to adopt to make that a reality.
. Share action steps to make small and big changes.
. Determine if its feasible for one parent to stay home.
. How to live on one income.
and more.

If you want more time for your family and less stress, then LIVING ON LESS SO YOUR FAMILY HAS MORE is a book that you will want to read. I highly recommend it to families that are looking to cut back and live a quieter life, yet one where they can develop relationships with their family. Discussion questions are included, as well as notes.

I loved this book. It really makes you think about what is important in your life. While it may not be the how to guide some people are looking for, it walks you through this family's journey of how they got to where they are today. It renewed my motivation and conviction to look to God when times get rough. This is a must read for any family looking to live their lives to the fullest while putting happiness and togetherness first and "keeping up with the Jones'" in the past.